The Chicago Bears are preparing their work for what will be a crucial off-season. GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson must work to bolster key areas of the roster that help the team back from greater accomplishments in 2024. Expectations are most of that time will be spent on the trenches. From there, the intrigue shifts to how the 2025 schedule could play out. They know the teams they're going to play. It includes the NFC North, AFC North, NFC East, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Adam Schefter of ESPN doesn't know how the entire Bears schedule will play out, but the ESPN insider does have a good idea of what their opener will be.
He appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. Everybody knows the champs always open the following season with the first game of the year. People are curious about who the Eagles could face on opening night. Schefter broke it down. There are the divisional opponents, as well as other NFC contenders like Detroit and Los Angeles. However, he seems convinced the Bears are the team to watch.
The Chicago Bears are always a reliable draw.
Their fanbase is one of the largest in the NFL. Whether the team is good or bad, fans always tune in to watch them. The Chicago Bears have a young, exciting new head coach in Ben Johnson. People will be eager to see him and quarterback Caleb Williams on the field for the first time. Philadelphia has its own rabid fanbase as well. There is no question an opener between these two teams would generate big ratings. The one concern for the NFL is whether they can be guaranteed the game will at least be competitive. Chicago went 5-12 this past season. The Eagles just got done hammering the NFL's best throughout the playoffs. They don't want a potential blowout. It is possible they may wait on any decision until they see what the Bears do in March and April.
